Page 58 of The Artisan and the Duke
“I can ask around. It’ll take time. The guild members have all dispersed after that raid. Only the young ones remain here for safety,” Mr Foster said with a frown. “I promise that if we can help Jules we will do everything in our power to do so.”
Gregory’s curiosity got the better of him, and he asked, “What did Mr Larkin do that got him exiled from the guild?”
“He decided that money was more important than the family of the guild. We found out that he had been working with the guardsmen to root out revolutionaries and earn himself some coins on the side. The fact that he earned those coins by spinning falsehoods that got guild members arrested was the final straw that I could no longer bear,” Mr Foster said with a bitter frown.
“I trained that boy like he was my own son like Mr Kelley had before me. I took David and Jules under my wing, and that’s the thanks David had for me.”
Gregory shook his head. “I see why he is no longer welcome,” Gregory said a sigh. “If I find out anything on Jules before you do, I will be sure to let you know.”
“I would appreciate that Your Lordship,” Mr Foster said kindly. “I’ll be praying for yours and Jules’ safety.”
Gregory smiled, “That is always a kind thing. Thank you, Mr Foster.”
Chapter 12
The first workhouse that Fredrick went to was appalling, but nothing special. No one there remembered Jules or anyone who could have resembled her. Fredrick was left feeling hopeless as he trudged towards the second workhouse on the Western side of the city.
Inside, Fredrick asked loudly of a room full of women, “Has anyone seen or talked to a Jules Kelley? She might have been wearing fine clothing. She might have told you she was a duchess or mason. It is very important that I find her.”
“How important?” asked a woman who looked like she had spent a lot of time walking the seedier parts of London.
Fredrick frowned. “Have you heard of her?”
“Depends on what you are offering,” the woman said with a tilt of her head.
Another woman, younger than the first, shouted from down towards the end of the long room, “Leave him alone, Bertha.” She leaned up and looked at Fredrick. “I spoke to this young woman who said she was a Duchess and a mason.”
Fredrick made his way over to the young woman and asked, “She was here?”
“Yes, but they took her away. I assume they took her to another house, but I don’t know,” Ruby said softly. “I hope she’s okay. She was kind.”
Fredrick nodded his head. “Do you remember how long ago it was that she was here?”
“The days kind of blend together here,” Ruby said, “but it had to be at least two days.”
Fredrick sighed. “Thank you,” he said softly. He looked at the young woman and longed to help her. He vowed that he would return once he found the Duchess. He gave the young woman a deep bow before he turned and left.
***
Gregory met up with Fredrick who told him of what he had found at the second workhouse. “That’s brilliant news,” Gregory said as he clapped his brother on the back. “That means she was alive and well two days ago at least. We might just be on the right track.”
“What about you? How did the meeting with the guild go?” Fredrick asked as they rode their horses down the street towards the nearest workhouse.
Gregory said, “It was more a meeting with just the guild leader. Apparently, after that last raid, no one was going to take chances on there being another. The guild has dispersed, but I did find out that Mr Larkin is no longer welcome in the guild for giving false evidence against guild members in return for payment.”
“Ah,” Fredrick said deviously. “So, that’s his angle. What about the three apprentices?”
Gregory shook his head. “The scoundrel just made it up apparently. According to Guild Master Foster, all of the men were released thanks to Barrister Dulock.”
“To lie about the death of children,” Fredrick scowled. “I hope we find him.”
Gregory agreed with a nod as they stopped in front of a workhouse. The outside looked so dreary that Gregory was loathed to go inside, but still, he swung down out of his saddle.
“They are worse on the inside,” Fredrick said to his brother which Gregory did not really appreciate.
Inside was dark and only lit by a few occasional candles. The overseer told Gregory that the workers were resting, but they could ask them questions if they were quick about it.
The house was longer than wide. It looked much like a large barn to Gregory only there were some tables where various items were spread.
